Koukounaries Holidays

You’ll find this stunning island escape at the western end of the island of Skiathos, sitting pretty against a mountainous backdrop and fragrant pine forests. Holidays to Koukounaries (that’s Greek for pine cone) will take you to a traditional town with one of the finest beaches anywhere in the Aegean. Make the most of the glorious summer sunshine and relax on the beach, or head out to the turquoise sea to tackle watersports adventures. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or a family, Koukounaries holidays have something for everyone.

Koukounaries’ legendary Blue Flag beach is a big draw for holidaymakers. Here you can bask in the sun amid spectacular surroundings, before heading for an alfresco dinner at one of the chic beachfront restaurants. If you’re feeling energetic, you can make the most of thrilling water sports on offer here, including reef walking and diving. And if you want to take a break from the beach and explore local culture, why not pay the Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria a visit?

Boasting fine white sand and fragrant pine forest surroundings, this sweeping beach stretches over a kilometre and a half along the shoreline. Not only is this one of the finest beaches to be found anywhere on the island of Skiathos, it’s also widely regarded as the most unspoiled natural beach in the Mediterranean. The turquoise water stays shallow for some distance, so your little ones can take a dip, too.

A holiday to the Koukounaries will mean you’re only a 20-minute drive from the island capital of Skiathos Town. This is where the hit film Mamma Mia! was filmed, and you can still pay a visit to the boat that was used in the movie (it’s moored up in the harbor for everyone to see). Skiathos Town is also home to the famous Monastery of Panagia, which is perched on the hillside above. It’s one of the best places to go for a taste of island history. Take a look inside and you’ll find three chapels, a library and a museum.

Koukounaries Beach is also a fantastic water sports destination, thanks to the glorious Mediterranean climate and gentle coastal winds. There’s something to suit all abilities, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. How about snorkelling or a trip out to sea on a pedalo? And if you can to try your hand at scuba diving, you can take the plunge with registered instructions. When you’re done, you’ll be ready to refuel at one of the tavernas and eateries that line the seafront; it’s a charming place to cool off and watch the world go by.

Visa and health: Click here for visa and health recommendations and advice before your Koukounaries holidays

Koukounaries is best for…

Beach lovers: You can top up your tan as you sit back on the sand, while soaking up the unspoiled natural beauty that surrounds you at world-class Koukounaries Beach.

Outdoor enthusiasts: Away from the beach, you can head out into the picture-perfect hills covered with lush pine forests for an adventure in nature. There are trails to suit beginners and experts alike.

Sightseers: Explore the relics of Koukounaries’ past and take a daytrip to the medieval fortification of II Kastro (or Castle of Skiathos). The views from here are magical.

Weather & Climate

Koukounaries starts to warm up mid-spring, with temperatures hovering in the high-teens (°C) by June. If you like it hot, book your holiday to Koukouanaries for summer; this peak season sees highs of 29°C, so make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen as the sun’s UV index can be pretty high. However, the seasonal winds take the edge off the heat and make it pleasantly hot, rather than blast-furnace unbearable! Rainfall starts to pick up the in the autumn, but temperatures still remain in the high-teens. Winter is the coolest month of the year, but even so temperatures rarely drop below 9°C throughout the season.

Getting Around

By taxi: They’re readily available in Koukounaries. It’s worth bearing in mind that it’s actually cheaper if you flag one down on the road rather than calling in advance. But it’s still a good idea to ask for a fare before you hop in.

By bus: Local buses are a cheap and convenient way to explore beyond the resort, and a great way to meet the locals! Services to Skathios Town operate regularly through the day. If you’re travelling in summer, be prepared for a tight squeeze - it can get really busy at this time of year.

By kaiki: Once a traditional Greek fishing boat, kaikis are now used to transport visitors to the some of the more isolated beaches and islets, as well as the nearby islands of Skopelos and Alonissos. Kaikis depart from Skiathos Town in the morning and return in the evening.

Events

Skopelos Music Festival: For two days every June, singers and musicians from the local region and beyond perform at various venues throughout Skopelos town. You can even join in yourself at one of the Skopelos Singing Workshops that coincide with the festival.

Agios Georgios: In April, the whole island of Skiathos celebrates the feast of Agios Georgios with horse races followed by an open panigiri (or festival), where locals tuck into delicious dishes, and dance the traditional Kamara dance.

Aegean Festival: Throughout the summer, Bourtzi (small peninsula that separates the port of Skiathos in two) plays host to theatre shows, art exhibitions, concerts and film screenings within the ruins of an old fort.

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